Ododo promises to deepen engagement with media in Kogi

Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi, has commended media professionals for their dedication to promoting transparency and keeping citizens informed about government activities.

The governor, represented by Folashade Ayoade, secretary to the government of Kogi, spoke in Lokoja at the official launch of the state’s first annual media performance report.

Ododo described the report as a “landmark initiative aligned with the administration’s commitment to open governance”.

He added that effective communication is not only about the volume of coverage but the accuracy, sentiment, and impact of the information shared with the public.

The governor encouraged objective reporting, dismissed exaggerations, harped on honest communication of achievements, and commended the collaborative effort that produced the state’s inaugural media performance report.

Ododo highlighted the role of Ismaila Isah, special adviser on media, and his team in delivering the report, which he said reflects the administration’s values of teamwork and effective communication.

The governor expressed deep appreciation to journalists across the state and beyond, recognising their sacrifices in the line of duty.

He pledged to facilitate direct engagement between members of the press and the Kogi government.

The Kogi governor also assured that his “administration values the role of the media in building trust and shaping public discourse”.

Isah said the report is not just a retrospective analysis but a forward-looking tool to refine future communication strategies.

The special adviser thanked Ododo for his consistent support and urged continued government-media collaboration to strengthen public trust and accelerate development across Kogi.

Momoh Adeiza, vice-president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone D and general manager of Prime FM Lokoja, described the report as a major achievement.

He asked the state government to increase its support for the media to empower journalists to fulfil their role for the development of Kogi.